Features of Surge Arresters: Protection Against Overvoltages

1. What Are Surge Arresters?

Surge arresters are devices that provide protection against overvoltage situations in electrical systems. They are activated during sudden voltage spikes or lightning strikes in power transmission lines. They quickly detect the rising voltage and safely transfer it to the ground line, preventing damage to electrical devices and systems.

Key Features:
Overvoltage Protection: Detects sudden voltage spikes and protects devices in the circuit.
Grounding: Transfers high voltage to the ground line to ensure system safety.
Fast Response Time: Quickly reacts by instantly detecting voltage fluctuations.
Flexible Usage: Can be used in both low-voltage and medium-voltage systems.

2. Working Principle of Surge Arresters

They are constantly connected to the electrical circuit but do not intervene under normal conditions. As long as the voltage remains within normal limits, they remain inactive. However, when an overvoltage is detected in the system, they are instantly activated and direct the energy to the ground line, thereby protecting the devices in the system. This prevents serious damage that can be caused by sudden voltage surges.

Operating Steps:
Overvoltage Detection: Activated when overvoltage or high voltage is detected in the network.
Transfer to Ground: High voltage is safely directed to the ground line.
Return to Normal Operation: When the voltage returns to normal, the surge arrester deactivates and the system continues normal operation.

3. Applications of Surge Arresters

Surge arresters have a wide range of applications and are used in both commercial and industrial electrical systems. Below are the most common application areas of these devices.

3.1. Protection in Medium Voltage Lines

Medium-voltage surge arresters are used to protect against voltage fluctuations occurring in power transmission lines. In medium-voltage lines, power outages or direct voltage increases caused by lightning can result in serious faults. These types of devices ensure the safety of the power system and allow it to return to normal operation quickly.

3.2. Protection in Low Voltage Systems

Low-voltage surge arresters are typically used in residential or commercial building systems. These devices protect electrical appliances in homes or businesses from overvoltage and prevent damage by activating in the event of incidents such as lightning strikes.

3.3. Usage in High Voltage Lines

Devices used in high-voltage lines are designed to protect larger power systems. Lightning strikes or overvoltage can cause major issues in these lines. They ground high-voltage surges and protect the equipment and grid in power lines.

3.4. Protection in Power Transmission Lines

Surge arresters used in power transmission lines provide effective protection in both medium and high-voltage applications. Since voltage fluctuations in these lines can lead to major system faults, these types of surge arresters are critically important.

4. Integration of Surge Arresters with Other Circuit Components

Surge arresters work in integration with other circuit components such as automatic circuit breakers, disconnectors, and voltage regulators to provide full protection. Below are the commonly integrated circuit elements with these devices.

4.1. Automatic Circuit Breakers

Automatic circuit breakers detect short circuits or overcurrent conditions in electrical circuits and cut off the circuit. Surge arresters, on the other hand, activate during overvoltage situations to prevent damage to devices. When working together with circuit breakers, they provide full protection against overvoltage and short circuits.

4.2. Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are devices that disconnect the circuit during overload or short-circuit conditions in electrical systems. When used in combination with surge arresters, the breakers protect against overload, while the surge arresters ensure system safety against overvoltage.

4.3. Voltage Regulators

Voltage regulators stabilize voltage fluctuations in the network to protect devices. Surge arresters activate in cases where voltage fluctuations exceed the limit. This integration provides complete protection in both normal and excessive voltage situations.

5. Advantages of Surge Arresters

Surge arresters offer many advantages for electrical systems. These devices protect the system from overvoltage, extending the lifespan of devices and enhancing system safety.

5.1. Effective Protection Against Sudden Voltage Surges

Surge arresters quickly detect and respond to overvoltage caused by lightning strikes or grid faults, ensuring the safety of the system.

5.2. Device Protection and Longevity

It is known that overvoltages can shorten the lifespan of electrical devices. Surge arresters protect devices from such sudden voltage surges, reducing failure risk and extending device life.

5.3. Easy Installation and Low Maintenance Cost

The installation and maintenance of surge arresters are quite simple. They can be integrated into new systems or easily included in existing electrical systems.

Conclusion

Surge arresters provide critical protection in electrical systems against overvoltage. They offer effective protection in medium and high-voltage lines against lightning strikes and voltage fluctuations, ensuring the safety of power systems. At the same time, they work in integration with automatic circuit breakers, voltage regulators, and disconnectors to offer complete security.

The correct selection and use of surge arresters are of critical importance for the safe operation of electrical systems. In this way, both devices are protected, and the lifespan of power systems is extended.